Description
Hello and welcome! Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that brings together the fresh flavors of summer with a creamy surprise—Lemon Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Filling. This delightful treat combines the tanginess of lemon, the moist texture of zucchini, and the richness of cream cheese, making it the perfect dessert or snack for any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of lemon cakes, zucchini recipes, or cream cheese-filled delights, this recipe will have you coming back for more. Let’s dive into the details of this zesty, moist, and creamy cake!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – provides the structure for the cake.
- 1 tsp baking powder – helps the cake rise.
- ½ tsp baking soda – ensures a fluffy texture.
- ¼ tsp salt – enhances the flavors.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness to the cake.
- ½ cup vegetable oil – keeps the cake moist.
- 2 large eggs – gives the cake structure and richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds a warm depth of flavor.
- 1 cup grated zucchini (squeeze excess moisture) – keeps the cake moist without overpowering the lemon flavor.
- Zest of 1 lemon – brings a fresh, zesty flavor.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice – adds tartness and brightness.
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – creates a rich, creamy filling.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds sweetness and warmth to the filling.
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – sweetens the glaze.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice – brings a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Zest of 1 lemon for garnish – enhances the presentation and flavor.
This recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients that result in a moist, flavorful cake with a creamy center. Plus, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit dietary preferences, such as swapping vegetable oil for coconut oil or using a gluten-free flour blend.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray or butter and set it aside. Prepping the pan ensures your cake will come out cleanly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the batter, ensuring a perfectly risen cake.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Once smooth, stir in the grated zucchini. Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the zucchini before adding it to prevent the cake from becoming too dense.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser cake.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This filling will add a deliciously rich center to your cake.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture down the center of the batter, being careful to keep it away from the edges. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Pour the remaining batter over the top, ensuring the cream cheese filling is fully covered.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil. Once done, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Add the Lemon Glaze
While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice to make the glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled cake and sprinkle with lemon zest for an extra pop of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Equipment

2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest will provide a much brighter flavor than bottled lemon juice.
- Don’t Skip Draining the Zucchini: Zucchini is packed with moisture, so it’s important to squeeze out any excess liquid to ensure your cake has the right texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This will help everything incorporate smoothly.
- Add Some Crunch: For added texture, consider mixing in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.